How Robbery is Different from Theft in Orange County
The crimes of robbery and theft seem very similar to most people – after all, they both involve taking the property of others without their consent. However, they are distinct crimes in California that are prosecuted differently. Today, Wallin and Klarich's Orange County theft attorneys will explain the fundamental differences between the two crimes.
To best illustrate the difference between robbery and theft, imagine a woman waiting at a bus stop with her purse. If you were to take her purse without her knowledge, that would be a theft. But if she were to notice and grab her purse, causing you to wrench it from her, it then becomes a robbery.
What is Robbery?
Robbery is basically the taking of another person’s property by use of force or intimidation. Unlike theft crimes, which can also be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, robbery is always charged as a felony.
Punishments?
The worst kind of robbery charge that you can face is first-degree robbery, which includes robbing people while in their homes, while they are retrieving money from the ATM, etc. A conviction can land you in state prison for 3 to 9 years.
A robbery conviction is also a “strike” for the purposes of California’s 3 Strike Laws. Please refer to our 3 Strikes Laws section for more information. This means that if you are convicted and you had prior felony convictions that also qualify as strikes, you could automatically face double the jail sentence or even a life sentence.
Facing a robbery charge is very serious and you should not go it alone. You will need the legal expertise of a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have been in practice for over 30 years and can help you achieve the best possible outcome. Call us today at 888-749-0034 or visit us online at www.wklaw.com. We will be there for you when you call.
